Vertical Stabilizer Lightening Holes?

txaviator · Post by **txaviator** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:15 pm

I was just curious if any of you decided to drill the optional lightening holes in the -9 VS rear spar? I am at a crossroads trying to decide. I figure it will only save maybe 3-4 ounces, but what do you think?

Thanks for any input!

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:23 pm

I did drill the holes in the doubler for my -8 VS; even though it's not much weight, an ounce here and there adds up. Plus, at that moment way back there it will have more effect on the CG.
I also figured it was a good way to get more practice with some of the metalworking. Once I got the drill press set up it really only added an hour or so to the process.

And finally, I think it looks cooler!

Thomas

mustang · Post by **mustang** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:06 am

YUP!

I did it too. My tail will be heavy enuff with primer inside and out so I figured I needed to save all the weight I could.

Cheers, pete

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:04 am

Yah, what they said!

I did it on my -7, as it is a critical area where weight savings can be had.

The -9 also has the tendency to be tail heavy. Do it!

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:01 am

I did not do it on my 9. I didn't feel that there was a compelling reason to do it personally.

-- John

I was just curious if any of you decided to drill the optional lightening holes in the -9 VS rear spar? I am at a crossroads trying to decide. I figure it will only save maybe 3-4 ounces, but what do you think?

Thanks for any input!

Submitted via email

N941WR · Post by **N941WR** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 10:30 am

Build lightness in!

There will be many places where the instructions tell you to cut a corner off of this, cut a hole in that, etc. to save weight. It does all add up.

Structurally it doesn't matter.

Bill
O-290 powered RV-9
Fuselage

Post by **Spike** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 10:31 am

Welcome Bill.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:57 pm

i just cut out my lightening holes on my -7 emp last night, and like others that have weighed the cutouts, i came up with about 2.5-3 ounces of savings. the shavings add another .5 oz. sure is loud, so make sure you use hearing protection, and don't do it at 10 o'clock at night!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:07 pm

You used one of those God forsaken fly cutters, didn't you?

I used an old fashioned holesaw kit. I have probably every size in existence, so what the heck!

Chad, we need PICTURES!

...and get that website of yours updated!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:11 pm

yep, fly cutter. it works great, but it is loud!

my website is updated! i update after EVERY build session. updated it last night. what isn't up to date? i did change the format of the build menu. is it confusing? i wondered about it when i made the change.

i'll post some pics tonite!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:25 pm

Got it!

The tasks all have their own links to the respective pages!

I was looking for more of a menuing system rather than the hyperlinks.

Have you seen Thermos' site?

It is http://www.mightyarcher.com/rv7/index.html and he has a menu driven system that you may like to use.

Your project is looking good! Gotta do those lightening holes! It is just a great idea!

Let us know how you like those Burraways!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:37 pm

yes, i have his site bookmarked, and i do like the menu system. i'd have to rework the links at this point, which seems like a lot of work to me.

i can't wait to use those burraways! they should be here today or tomorrow. i got every size that i'll need. should really cut down on time and the pain in the wrist that deburring is!

also got my pneu squeeze the other day. haven't used it yet though.

jimrobinette · Post by **jimrobinette** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:51 pm

For all those working on their emp, I have to put a plug in for Thermos' site. Dave has a very detailed site (he is an engineer by trade, so that tells you something), which will give you a lot of pointers and good tips that Van's doesn't. I have relied on his site and knowledge (and CJ's knowledge) to help me up untill the very last part of the emp.

Check it out!!!

http://www.mightyrv.com

Take care,

Jim

Captain_John wrote:Have you seen Thermos' site?

It is http://www.mightyarcher.com/rv7/index.html and he has a menu driven system that you may like to use.

N716DJ · Post by **N716DJ** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:39 pm

Hey folks, I am planning on adding the lightening holes. I was thinking of using a fly cutter. Has anyone use another tools with good/acceptable results?

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 3:47 pm

i used a fly cutter without problems on my lightening holes for the VS. but, since then, i cut the lightening holes for the tie down spacers with a hole saw, and it worked great! much better than i anticipated.

N716DJ · Post by **N716DJ** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:23 pm

Thanks for the input Chad. I was wondering if a hole saw would do the job. I figure that even if I only get a handful of holes before the hole saw gets too dull, that it would be a reasonable alterntive to a fly cutter. The holes don't need to be that precise and I can always clean up the edges with a round file, emory cloth, and a scotch bright pad. Besides, I have never seen any one who has said that they think a fly cutter does an excellent job. I'll post a picture or two to let you know how the holes turned out.

BTW, I'm relatively new to Rivetbangers and it will likely take me a little time to learn how to take full advantage of all of it's functionality.

Post by **Spike** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:45 pm

N716DJ wrote:BTW, I'm relatively new to Rivetbangers and it will likely take me a little time to learn how to take full advantage of all of it's functionality.

Well then welcome Jerry

Its good to see another 9A builder

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:53 pm

FWIW, I have been using hole saws for years on steel and see and use for a fly cutter.

I did my HS with hole saws and would use them again! They work GREAT! They only cost more...

CJ

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:49 pm

Where you get it???

smithhb · Post by **smithhb** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:53 pm

Flycutters Rule!

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